Welsh group combats depression through 'coping strategies'

02/12/2012

A self-help group in South Wales is looking to combat depression and anxiety by teaching people coping mechanisms.

Caerphilly-based group CHAT, run by Jocelyn Duncan and Dennis Laity, is making a significant difference to people across South Wales who suffer from depression and anxiety. The group uses a variety of techniques such as boards where members write down positive messages that are personal to them, aiming to provide a 'sharing forum' for people who feel isolated.

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Talking to Wales Online, Mr Laity said: "For the past six years we have been driving around to help individuals and their families but this became impossible and it was not that effective so we decided to set up the group sessions and workshop.

"We teach people coping strategies so they can deal with the emotions they are feeling. Sometimes it can be a piece of music and smell or situation that triggers all these emotions but we teach people control techniques and affirmation to become more positive."

He added that the group is looking to alter the way people think about depression, encouraging them not to label their feelings as 'depressive' and rather think positively about their lives.

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